This fully functional vintage tow truck is fully prepared to haul hordes of spectating vehicles away.
Been a Long Time
"Happy Hooker" is another pristine project completed by Gateway Classic Cars of Detroit, Michigan. This impressively restored 1947 Ford COE (cab over engine) tow truck is a fully functional towing rig that has a remade interior that's a good bet to rival muscle car restomods the world over.
Photos Courtesy of Gateway Classic Cars
Since a Federal Dime
The first Ford COE truck debuted in 1938. The impetus of Ford truck designers was to increase payload space without violating newly implement vehicle length restrictions. A bright blue bulb marks the centerpiece of this remade 1947's bright cabin, one that's brilliantly illuminated thanks to a white steel interior and two retractable front windshield panels to let in a spring breeze.
>>Join the conversation about this 1947 COE Wrecker right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Made a Jukebox Sound
The truck is powered by a brand new 350CID V8 engine mated to a TH350 General Motors transmission that's compact, strong, and versatile. The truck's newly implemented block and cylinder heads were cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Saginaw, Michigan.
>>Join the conversation about this 1947 COE Wrecker right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Like a Juggernaut Walks
Outside, the truck's array of chrome steel plays beautifully off its black base coat which is abutted by a muted silver body color and vintage-styled, royal blue texts that reads "Happy Hooker Wrecker Service" and "24 Hour Recovery." The truck's blue accents continue in the back with royal blue trim on the towing apparatus.
>>Join the conversation about this 1947 COE Wrecker right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Don't Need a Good Reason
The Gateway Classic Cars crew spared no expense to make this truck as solid on a road trip as it is in the showroom. A new power steering system, power brakes, and modernized onboard audio make it perfectly suited for show-to-show journeys. And while it looks dauntingly big in photographs, this little monster fits perfectly inside a standard two-car garage.
>>Join the conversation about this 1947 COE Wrecker right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Let it Rip
An affixed onboard toolbox (complete with vintage automotive sticker collage, of course) and three-piece alarm-styled lighting set complete this reimagined tow-trucks antiquated look. With less than just 700 total miles accumulated on the rebuild so far, it's safe to say this wrecker's days of happy hooking are well ahead of it.
>>Join the conversation about this 1947 COE Wrecker right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
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